FULL steam ahead! The Navy's largest attack submarine arrived at its base on the Clyde yesterday. The 7,400-tonne hunter-killer Astute - which contains an array of hi-tech weaponry - is the latest addition to the fleet at Faslane along with its 98 crew.

Published Date: 21 November 2009 By CLARE BAILLIE THE largest attack submarine in the Royal Navy arrived at its base in Scotland yesterday.

Two tugs helped to manoeuvre the "hunter-killer" submarine, Astute, into place at custom-built floating jetties at Faslane naval base on the Clyde.

The submarine, which weighs 7,400 tonnes when it is under the water and has a crew of 98, does not require refuelling.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope said it was a "hugely significant" addition for the Royal Navy.

He said: "For the Royal Navy we see a huge enhancement to our current capabilities, across anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, precision strike ashore and our ability to deliver special forces."

Weapons on board the boat include a Tomahawk missile system and anti-submarine and anti-surface ship torpedoes.

It left the shipbuilders earlier this week for sea trials before arriving at Faslane. It will go back to sea to complete its first dive followed by a year of trials and tests before it will be used in operations.

Rear Admiral Simon Lister, director of submarines for the Ministry of Defence, said: "This submarine is truly world class. It's a cliche but it is."